Qadesh had suffered from Glaucoma for the past several years, but could still see. She passed away in my arms at 2 PM, Friday afternoon, July 23rd, 2004, at a little over sixteen years of age.  She will always be the love of my life.

To All The "Friends Of Qadesh"

 My best friend Qadesh passed away as she was being anaesthetized for examination of what we believe was intestinal lymphoma that had spread throughout her body. Her days were numbered, and would have been filled with pain, so although it grieves me greatly to say so, her passing was timely.

While I realize this may sound morbid to some of you, I have decided to have her stuffed in her common sleeping position of resting her chin upon her crossed fore-paws. I too thought this sounded somewhat macabre at first, but please let me explain.

I intend to continue Qadesh's life-long endeavors of raising the public's awareness of the immanent extinction of tigers in the wild, and to improving the quality of life of those living in captivity. While the loss is still too immediate to consider fully, I will be canvassing schools, in particular, in the hope of gleaning their interest in an educational audio/video presentation, and I am considering having "Qadesh" continue to accompany me on those presentations as she had done for the past sixteen years.

By far and away, the most common reaction people had when meeting her was of her immense size. They had only ever seen these animals before at a distance, through bars or chain-link fences, and they seemed to anticipate something the size of a large dog. It was her overwhelming size, accompanied by her palpably gentle nature, that so impacted on everyone she met.

I also decided to have Qadesh stuffed for my son - I know that having "Qadesh", apparently sleeping on my bed as she always did, will provide him the best "memorabilia" of her presence throughout the first nine years of his life, and of her impact on the lives of so many others. And, quite frankly, I just didn't have the heart to dig a hole and bury her, or her ashes after cremating her remains.

I had discussed this idea of "keeping" Qadesh with my son a number of times over the past couple of years, especially recently, as I tried to prepare him - and myself - to the stark reality of what was, sooner or later, going to come to pass. His response was to tell me he thought it was a great idea - in fact, he was going to have me stuffed too! Out of the mouths of babes! I had to explain to him that unfortunately that wouldn't be possible, due to the legalities of it all, but that I really appreciated the thought, and after all, we would always be in his heart, with him for all his life, until he came to live with Qadesh and I for the rest of eternity. That was okay with him then, but it still brings a smile to my face every time I think of his joyous expression when he had the inspiration of "stuffing" his Dad.

I have had a week to grieve and deal with the loss, so at least I can now write and speak of her without breaking down, but it's going to take years, I'm afraid, to fully digest the loss and get past it. She truly was the love of my life, the only thing that kept me sane, and kept me from committing suicide when my son was taken from me at twenty-three months of age and I only got to see him again months later, and then only very sporadically for the next year. If it hadn't been for Qadesh I know I never would have survived, so I literally owe her my life, or at the very least, my sanity. Anyway..... I apologize for laying all of that on you.

The Taxidermist involved has done large cats before, including winning several North American Taxidermy Awards for a Jaguar she had done previously, as well as a number of other awards for bears and other mammals, so I have every reason to believe her efforts on our behalf will be equally excellent. I hope I am comfortable with my decision afterwards; perhaps it's the Irish and Scots blood in me that makes me think this idea of "keeping her with us" will be okay. I hope you understand, and don't think this will disrespect her memory in any way; my goal is just the opposite.

At least her appearances in the continuing mission of raising the public's awareness of the present travesty of their uncontrolled breeding (wherein only 10% of the 15,000 tigers are in regulated Zoos or Game Farms - American Humane Society statistics) will no longer be blocked by the well intentioned, but misinformed. Talk about sticking your head in the sand. People, including the authorities, seem to think that by leaving it to local administrations to prohibit the keeping of these animals that it will be so, but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, where they are so prohibited, they're merely kept in basements, garages, barns, or whatever; even worse conditions than if they left them completely unregulated. The only real solution is to prohibit their being bred, period, with the only exception being for replacement purposes only, and then only in regulated zoos and/or game farms. Not that they necessarily do a better job - but at least we could then get the breeding under control, instead of the currently accelerating birth rate whereby the captive population is tripling every decade.

Anyhow, I'll get back down off my high horse - but it's easy to see why I feel compelled to carry on Qadesh's work. For the very many of you who have inquired about the video of Qadesh's life, including the footage of me bottle-feeding her, her first tobogganing lessons at six months, her riding on the bow of our 27' off-shore, and so much more, please bear with us - we have finally located a software program that is going to allow us to up-grade all of our tapes to the quality of Broadcast HDTV. We hope to have the DVD ready for distribution within the next sixty to ninety days. If you wish to reserve a copy (at $30 Cdn) please write to so advise us, and thank you for your support. As with all of Qadesh's past activities, we anticipate donating the net proceeds to saving tigers in the wild, and to improving the quality of life for those living in captivity.

I know you mourn our loss, and I thank you for your sympathy. Please feel free to call or write, if you feel so inclined, and know that we will never forget your friendship and support.

 For a number of years we have relied upon the sale and installation of true Home Theatres as a source of income, and as we will be continuing that endeavor, we invite any of you in the Greater Toronto Area who perhaps find the volume level at movie theatres to be way too loud these days, or the fact that although it is still less than ten dollars for a ticket to get in, the fact that it costs significantly more than ten dollars per person just for a drink and a bag of popcorn is more than you wish to pay for stale and/or rancid snacks, please drop us a line. We have many happy customers who are only to glad to tell you how great it is to have true cinema in their home.... If its just a large TV you want, then by all means you should be looking at Plasma screens and/or LCDs, but if you would like to find out what a truly unique pleasure it is to have an eight, ten, or even twelve foot wide screen in your home with resolution far beyond that of even the best HDTV, give me a call - we have systems that will run as high as 2500 x 2000 resolution, well above what even most computer monitors are capable of - even when you see it for yourself, you'll hardly believe your eyes! You will be particularly disbelieving, I know, when I tell you that we have starter systems priced from as low as $1,000 - installed! These are not small, noisy, expensive to operate LCD or DLP systems that you have to be always concerned about when you next will have to replace their very expensive ($500) lamps, but CRT systems that produce at least 12,000, to 25,000 or even 30,000 to one contrast ratios instead of the 400 or 500 to one ratios LCD projectors are capable of - that means they can actually produce true blacks, not just darker shades of charcoal, and fully-saturated colors that accurately reflect those you were intended to see, and the screen can be viewed perfectly from anywhere in the room as well. Best of all, the net proceeds will continue to go to the preservation of wild tigers, and to improving the quality of life for those living in captivity! Thank you all for your continued support, and please give us a call for a free demonstration in your own home...

Email: Tigerman at Qadesh.com, or call (416) 573-6915 or (905) 427-9121

Qadesh was a female Siberian tiger, one of the most endangered species on earth. From infancy she had lived with Bill Frazer and his family, never caged nor drugged, and shared his bed every night for more than sixteen years.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank COLOSSEUM ONLINE for graciously hosting this web site for free as their way of supporting Qadesh's efforts to save tigers in the wild and improve the quality of life for those living in captivity. If you have need of Internet services in the Greater Toronto Area, please give them a call at (416) 739-7873.

(Just "Click" on the thumbnails below to expand them to full-frame)

Comments & Shots From Recent Appearances:

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion with Qadesh this past Easter:

Toronto Mayor David Miller with Qadesh at the Jewel Heart Ball last fall:

Brampton's Mayor Susan Fennell with Bill & Qadesh at THUNDER RUN 2003:  

and here at THUNDER RUN 2004

From a letter written by Marco Romero, founder, The TIGER FOUNDATION:

"I have met Bill and Qadesh on two occasions, and while we didn't normally sanction keeping tigers as pets, I believe that Bill and Qadesh are a very special and rare case, with whom we have forged a relationship. I believe that Bill really loves Qadesh and looks after her better than most zoos can. She lives in a human world, but she serves as an ambassador for her species; one that can help deliver powerful educational messages, not just about tigers but about nature. She is one very powerful symbol of nature and it is impossible to be in her presence and not to be affected by her. I continue to hope that she will inspire people to help wild tigers, who are teetering on the brink of extinction. I wish you well with her and your event, and hope to see her fundraising potential finally realized for the benefit of her wild cousins. Regards, Marco Romero", Founder: The Tiger Foundation.

And this one we just received from Lawrence Pinsky, founder, TIGER WATCH CANADA:
"Dear Bill, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege of meeting with you and Qadesh while I was recently in the Toronto area. After several attempts to connect, I am so happy we were finally able to do it. I very much enjoyed discussing Qadesh's history and issues around tiger conservation. We should all have the care and affection that Qadesh has in her daily life; in many ways she is a truly pampered cat and very lucky to have you as her special guardian. I greatly admire both your dedication to her and the obvious love and affection that she returns and shares with others. Words can not begin to express the incredible experience of being in the presence of this magnificent creature and feeling very safe and somehow in tune with the vital animal nature that we all share.
Qadesh is a wonderful ambassador for tigers everywhere and, of course, they do need all the help they can get if there remains any chance of surviving in the wild. I wish Qadesh and you many more healthy years and hope we get a chance to cross paths again. If there's any help I can offer in any way, please don't hesitate to ask and I'll do my very best to respond. With lots of love and good wishes, Lawrence Pinsky" TIGER WATCH CANADA

THUNDER RUN 2003

(Just "Click" on the thumbnails below to expand them to full-frame)

THUNDER RUN 2002

"Bill: I would like to take this opportunity to tell you the response to your visit with Qadesh at the Thunder Run last year, and the year before. The Easter Seals Kids still talk about the big pussycat, and Qadesh put a glimmer in each and every child's eye. For myself, you were professional and courteous and you obviously hold much love for Qadesh. Your concern for her well being was also very touching and I thank you and Qadesh for making this event very special."

Staff/Sgt. Paul Chisholm , Peel Regional Police , Chair, Easter Seals Thunder Run

THUNDER RUN 2001

"At great expense and time to yourself you attended our function with your wonderful tiger Qadesh and delighted the crowds from opening ceremonies to free pictures with Qadesh for every Easter Seals kid present. The feedback from the parents is that Qadesh was an overwhelming success... I look forward to having you attend next year..."

D/Sgt Paul Chisholm, PEEL REGIONAL POLICE

 Seneca College coverage of Qadesh's visit to their Animation Arts Class:

Georgina Advocate coverage of Qadesh's Fund Raising at their Art Gallery in late August

From recent school visits:

"Mr. Frazer,

"I'd like to thank you again for the wonderful experience that your visit with Qadesh provided for our students at Gibson School in June of this year (2002).

"It was a special opportunity for the children to have close contact with Qadesh and to learn important messages about endangered species and environmental responsibilities. Every child in the two classes involved was able to "snuggle" with Qadesh. The staff and students felt comfortable at all times due to Qadesh's gentle manner and to your skills. It is obvious that Qadesh has spent her life in a caring environment with responsible and knowledgeable attention. I have attached a photo taken during the visit.

"You may use the photo and all or part of this correspondence in your web site if you wish.

Mark Siltamaki (teacher, Gibson School)

One of the JKs at Limehouse Elementary that got to meet Qadesh.... after Principal Ruddock welcomed Qadesh's arrival ...by limousine, of course!

Check out these front page newspaper stories about Qadesh's visits to Gateway Elementary School

And this is what it was like to meet Qadesh - on your sofa! or (Click On To Enlarge)

Or at your Wedding: Yes, she was my best friend...

"She is the most gentle and loving domestic animal I have ever met in my life.~ please do not deny yourself this rare and touching experience." Y. Silver, Events Dir., Generation Promotions

"Qadesh is as gentle and content as any house cat. ~ Qadesh was definitely an enhancement to the show and I would not hesitate to have her back at the Toronto Congress Centre." Ed Paradowski, Event Logistics Manager, Shows

" I have confidence in Mr. Frazer’s ability to control his animals; I only wish that all other captive animals, both exotic and domestic, could receive the same amount of care and respect as that lavished on his animals."    Dr. Kay G Mehren, B.V.Sc., D.V.M.,  HEAD VET for METRO TORONTO ZOO,  Scientific Advisory Board, Zoocheck Canada

"Within 10 minutes of the arrival of Qadesh, you saw the euphoria and amazement that hit our entire company. That state of wonder, amazement and awe were unprecedented." Steve Hyatt

"Our clientele is a cross mix between Senior Corporate and Government officials which for the most part became accustomed to "Qadesh"  and made it a daily ritual to meet up with her in the mornings." Patrick A. Regina, General Manager, MONTECASSINO PLACE SUITES HOTEL

I realize the following is a long letter to insert here, but I feel it most accurately communicated the incredible impact Qadesh had on people who invited her into their home. This letter is from a couple (and their dozen or so guests) who were the successful bidders of a 'Home Visit' that was "Auctioned Off" at a Mississauga Street Party with the proceeds donated to the Credit Valley Hospital:

We very gratefully welcome Mary-Jane and her husband Jim as 'Gold' members of Qadesh's Fan Club.

Just think of how this one kitty made literally tens of thousands of peoples dreams come true - dreams they never really thought they had any chance whatsoever of ever experiencing, no matter how long they might live...; and here's Qadesh , obviously not what you would call 'stressed out' by the whole experience! :-)

Limited Edition Prints of Qadesh:

"Hiding In Plain Sight"

  Personally Numbered & Signed By World-Renowned Wild-Life Artist Bruce Lawes!

(and without the watermark or frame, of course; please "Click" on the "thumbnail" photos below to expand to full frame)

12" x 15" on finest art paper or 17"x 22" on Canvas at Auction on eBay

also these 20"x 28" posters, also individually autographed by artist Bruce Lawes

3&1/2"  Embroidered Crests, just $7!

Tell him of our recommendation for a special rate that will help Qadesh's efforts to save tigers in the wild, and to improve the quality of life for those living in captivity.

Click Here to visit the web site of a Travel Agent you may wish to use to visit India: Uday Patel

Sign My Guestbook View My Guestbook

This page was last updated on 02 Mar 2005

Cat Creatures (Great and Small) [ Join Now | Ring Hub | Random | << Prev | Next >> ]